Frequently Asked Questions

LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, which is a type of lithium-ion battery. LFP batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode material.

Composition: LFP batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode material.

Safety: They are known for their high thermal and chemical stability, meaning they are less prone to overheating and fire compared to other lithium-ion battery types, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2).

Service life: LFP batteries have a long service life and can withstand thousands of charge and discharge cycles without significant capacity degradation.

Energy density: Although LFP batteries typically have a lower energy density than some other lithium-ion batteries, such as NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), they are well suited for applications where safety and longevity are more important than maximum energy storage.

Environmental impact: LFP batteries contain no cobalt, which offers both ethical and environmental benefits, as cobalt mining is often associated with environmental and labor issues.

The main reasons for choosing LFP in our energy storage systems are about safety, longevity, temperature resistance and environmental impact.

Safety: Thanks to the stability of lithium iron phosphate, LFP batteries are less prone to thermal runaway and fire, making them very safe for various applications.

Longer life: LFP batteries can typically withstand more charge and discharge cycles than other lithium-ion batteries, making them last longer.

Wide temperature range: They perform well over a wide temperature range, making them suitable for use in various climate conditions.

Low environmental impact: Without cobalt, LFP batteries are less harmful to the environment and more ethical.

Key safety measures include the use of fire-resistant materials, adequate ventilation to ensure heat dissipation, and the installation of temperature and smoke detection systems. An emergency plan must also be in place.

Battery modules must comply with international standards such as IEC 62619 and UN 38.3. This ensures that they have been tested for safety and reliability.

Fire safety measures include the use of fire-resistant partitions, automatic extinguishing systems suitable for lithium-ion batteries, and training personnel in emergency procedures. The use of extinguishing agents such as dry chemical powders or special fire extinguishers for lithium fires is essential.

Specific extinguishing agents such as Class D fire extinguishers designed for metal fires can be effective. There are also special aerosols and powders that can stop thermal runaway.

Batteries should be placed in a separate room that is adequately ventilated. This room should be fireproof and separated from other parts of the building to prevent the spread of a possible fire.

PGS 37-1 requires that battery rooms be equipped with a ventilation system that provides sufficient airflow to dissipate heat and any gas generation. This system must be independent of the building HVAC systems to prevent cross-contamination.

Spills should be cleaned up immediately with appropriate absorbent materials and personal protective equipment (PPE). Spilled material should be disposed of as hazardous waste according to local regulations.

Old or damaged batteries should be disposed of through certified recycling and disposal companies that specialize in handling lithium-ion batteries. These companies can safely dismantle the batteries and reuse or process the materials in an environmentally friendly manner. It is important not to dispose of batteries with regular trash to avoid fire and environmental contamination hazards.

Peak shaving means reducing the highest electricity consumption in a given period of time. This is done by using temporarily stored energy during peak hours. This reduces peak grid consumption and saves energy costs.

Peak shaving with battery storage involves storing excess energy in batteries when consumption is low. This stored energy is then used during peak hours to meet the high demand for power and minimize energy costs.

Yes, peak shaving can be worthwhile, especially for companies with high energy costs during peak hours. How much a company benefits from peak shaving depends heavily on the distribution of energy consumption throughout the day. Peak shaving can help lower energy costs, reduce grid costs and contribute to a more stable energy supply.

Grid peak shaving on the inverter means that the inverter helps reduce peak loads on the grid. It does this by using power from the battery during peak hours, reducing the load on the grid and lowering costs.

Grid reinforcement is the process of upgrading the power grid to accommodate greater power capacity. This may be necessary if the current grid cannot provide enough power for increasing consumption. An energy storage system is a common way to add weight to the grid.

The cost of a grid upgrade varies greatly depending on the upgrades needed and the size of the system. We would be happy to help with a calculation based on your specific situation.

Energy trading involves energy producers and consumers buying and selling energy in the energy market, also known as the imbalance market. This can be done directly between parties or through an energy market platform. The goal is to balance supply and demand of energy and achieve efficient energy prices. You can trade your own generated energy or energy you have stored during cheap off-peak hours.

Grid congestion occurs when there is more demand for electricity than the grid can supply. This can lead to overloads and disruptions in power supply. The grid cannot supply power to all consumers at the same time, resulting in restrictions or outages. As a result, many companies are on the waiting list for a (larger) connection and the grid operator checks that companies are not using too much energy.

To combat grid congestion, measures such as peak shaving, improving energy efficiency, establishing local energy storage systems and upgrading the power grid can be taken. This helps reduce the load on the grid and ensure a more stable power supply. Read our white paper with 6 practical tips on grid congestion.

Yes, it is possible to go completely off-grid, but it requires a well-designed system that can generate and store enough energy. This usually includes solar panels, wind turbines, batteries for energy storage and sometimes a backup generator. The goal is to be independent of the public grid and self-sufficient in energy. Read how Marker Wadden went off-grid.